Quote by Bertrand Russell
Religions, which condemn the pleasures of sense, drive men to seek the pleasures of power. Throughout history power has been the vice of the ascetic.
Summary
This quote suggests that when religions condemn sensual pleasures, individuals are compelled to pursue the pleasures derived from having power and control. Over time, it has been observed that ascetics, individuals who renounce worldly possessions and pleasures for spiritual reasons, have often exhibited a desire for power. The quote implies a correlation between the denial of sensual pleasures and the pursuit of power, indicating that those who restrict themselves from one form of gratification may compensate by seeking power in other aspects of life.